Gen Z have a tendency in viewing the world as a zero-sum fight - "If they win, we lose" - see it as a messy, ongoing conversation about progress.

So when someone says "young people don't know how to plan for the future" you can smile, roll your eyes, and remember that every generation before yours said the same thing about you - yet here you are, analysing history, calling out data, and striving for change.

All this converges on the nation's mental health and its actions to improve it. Malta has embarked on a renewed national endeavour to reform the mental health sector, prioritising mental health in the context of the national health strategy post 2020.

Past attempts at reforming this sector were stifled due to insufficient and unsustained political commitment, leaving it direly under-resourced. In recent years, the topic of mental health has been more prevalent than ever on social media, and Gen Z has often led the way in raising awareness. However, locally Gen Z still experience stigma and barriers to receiving the mental health support they deserve.

Mental health conversations among Gen Zers frequently centre around a few common themes. Let us start with members of Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, and let us say that social media ruined their childhood. Millennials in Malta, born between 1981 and 1996, complain that they cannot afford to buy a house. Baby-boomers, between 1946 and 1964, gripe that they face an uncertain retirement.

The sad story goes that some members of Generation Z feel that social media "ruined" their childhood. While social media has the potential to connect people and provide platforms for self-expression, many members of Generation Z feel its negative impacts have overshadowed the benefits. The pressures of comparison, cyberbullying and the effects on social skills and attention span contribute to the belief that social media has "ruined" their childhood.

In America, statistics show how they devote 5% of their spending to caring for people under 18 or over 65, against just 2% for boomers. In Italy, the share of 18- to 34-year-olds living with their parents has increased from 61% to 68% over the past two decades.

In Spain, the rise is even more dramatic. These factors are creating a perfect storm for mental health issues. It is a relentless battle as one is constantly worrying about jobs, our children, our parents, and whether we remembered to update our weekly LinkedIn profile. Depression is another unwelcome guest at the Gen X party. The weight of responsibilities, coupled with the feeling that we've somehow missed out on the spotlight, can lead to a pervasive sense of sadness and hopelessness.

In a recent study, one finds how, 34% of Gen Z respondents reported not being completely forthright during therapy sessions. In addition, some respondents admitted they had never attended therapy, while 28% stated that they believed it would be a waste of money.

These facts demonstrate a gap between what young adults state regarding mental health support and what they do in practice when they experience mental health challenges. In some cases, the gap may be related to stigma surrounding mental health treatment.

Loaded with burnout and chronic stress, Gen Z are running themselves to the ground; trying to be perfect employees, perfect parents, perfect children to our aging parents, and still find time for self-care. But, in truth they face social media which is rife with advertising and influencer culture. This can shape young people's desires and expectations. Just think how commercialisation can lead to a materialistic mindset and pressure to conform to consumer trends. Social media is also rife with advertising and influencer culture, which can shape young people's desires and expectations.

It is this deluge of commercialisation which can lead to a materialistic mindset and pressure to conform to consumer trends. International studies have shown how this reflects a complex relationship with technology and its impact on their development. To start with, social media platforms often showcase curated versions of life, leading to constant comparisons with peers.

On its own, it can create feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-esteem, particularly among young people who are still developing their identities. The classic fear of missing out syndrome (FOMO) is making individuals feel excluded or less valued, if they are not participating in popular trends or events.

Surely, a dosage of cyberbullying and online harassment can have severe emotional and psychological effects on young people. The anonymity of the internet can embolden bullies, making it difficult for victims to escape harassment. We can never forget to mention, how cyberbullying follows individuals into their homes and personal lives, creating a pervasive sense of fear and anxiety. Various international studies have shown a correlation between heavy social media use and increased rates of anxiety and depression among young people. The pressure to maintain a certain online persona can exacerbate mental health struggles.

Take the common practice among Gen Z to savour a regular dosage of social media, especially before bedtime. At its peak, this can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and further exacerbating mental health issues. Another common factor is the prevalence of online communication as this is proven to hinder the development of essential social skills.

The constant influx of information and notifications can lead to decreased attention spans and difficulties focusing on tasks. There is no doubt, this can impact academic performance and overall cognitive development. Few realise, how this concentration can detract from time spent on hobbies, physical activities and face-to-face interactions.

As this generation continues to navigate the complexities of growing up, it is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to address these challenges and promote healthier online habits, encouraging a balanced approach to technology use that prioritises mental well-being and meaningful connections.

It goes without saying that Generation Z continues to navigate the complexities of growing up in a digital age. Gen Z in Malta are more likely to seek help through digital platforms, making mental health support more accessible.

As a remedy, one advocates that Malta continues in its sustained campaigns that partner with schools, universities and NGOs.

George M. Mangion is a senior partner at PKF Malta